# US 10,441,314 B2 · Target region identification for imaging application

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- Number: US 10,441,314 B2
- Document ID: US10441314B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/264,689
- Filed: 2016-09-14
- Published: 2017-01-05
- Granted: 2019-10-15
- Earliest claimed: 2012-06-21
- Assignees: Rivanna Medical LLC
- Applicants: Rivanna Medical LLC
- Inventors: Daniel Lee Bizzell; Raeshon Lamont McNeil; Juan Carlos Perez
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10441314B2

## CPC

- A61B 17/3403: {Needle locating or guiding means}
- A61B 8/0841: {for locating instruments}
- A61B 8/4455: {Features of the external shape of the probe, e.g. ergonomic aspects}
- A61B 8/463: {characterised by displaying multiple images or images and diagnostic data on one display}
- A61B 90/13: guided by light, e.g. laser pointers
- A61B 90/39: {Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers}
- A61B 2017/3413: {guided by ultrasound}
- A61B 2090/395: {with marking agent for marking skin or other tissue}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

Systems and methods related to the location of target regions in imaging applications are generally described. Certain embodiments relate to devices and/or methods for image-guided identification of suitable regions at which to insert needles, catheters, and the like. Such systems and methods can be used in association with a variety of imaging technologies, including ultrasound imaging. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used in association with hand-held ultrasound imaging devices.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device comprising:
a housing comprising:
an imaging unit; and
a working side including a first portion configured to be placed on a surface adjacent a surface of a target that is to be imaged and a recessed portion configured to form a gap between the recessed portion and the surface of the target when the first portion is disposed on the surface of the target;
an output display covering at least a portion of a surface of the housing opposite the working side;
an actuator on the surface of the housing opposite the recessed portion; and
a marking unit disposed on the recessed portion of the housing and configured to produce a mark on the surface of the target to be imaged only when the actuator is activated while the first portion is disposed on the surface of the target.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a button.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the imaging unit comprises an ultrasound transducer.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the marking unit comprises a laser.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The device of claim 4, wherein the laser is configured to produce a discoloration on the target that is to be imaged.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The device of claim 5, wherein the laser is configured to produce a reflection of electromagnetic radiation on the target that is to be imaged.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the marking unit comprises a mechanical indentation unit.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the marking unit comprises a lancing unit.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The device of claim 8, wherein the lancing unit is configured to penetrate a surface of the target that is to be imaged.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The device of claim 8, wherein the mechanical indentation unit includes a shaft extending from the recessed portion, the shaft having a length less than or equal to a length of the gap.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The device of claim 8, wherein the output display displays a map of the target.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the marking unit is configured to deposit a material on the target that is to be imaged.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The device of claim 12, wherein the marking unit is configured to deposit ink on the target that is to be imaged.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the marking unit is detachably coupled to the housing.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the marking unit is configured to produce the mark within an imaging plane of the imaging unit.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the display includes physical reference markers that indicate a location on the target to be marked by the marking unit.

### Claim 17

A method comprising:
positioning a first portion of a working side of a housing of an imaging device on a surface adjacent an external surface of a target to be imaged, the device comprising an imaging unit;
forming a gap between a recessed portion of the working side and the target surface of the target;
generating data representing an image of the target with the imaging unit;
displaying the image of the target on an output display disposed on the device, the output display covering at least a portion of a surface of the housing opposite the working side; and
activating a marking unit disposed on the recessed portion to produce a mark on the target surface while the first portion is positioned on the surface adjacent the external surface of the target.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17, further comprising aligning the target region with a reference marker on the output display.

### Claim 19 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17, wherein the mark is produced within boundaries of a periphery of the output display.

### Claim 20 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying a map of the target on the output display.